Leg exercise method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A leg exercise apparatus and method is provided in which the exercise apparatus can include an elongated base, at least one foot mount slidably coupled to the elongated base, and a biasing member attached to the foot mount and the elongated base and adapted to resist sliding movement of the foot mount relative to the elongated base. The leg exercise apparatus can also include two foot mount guides and substantially parallel foot mount guides, in which the foot mounts can be slidably mounted in the foot mount guides. The leg exercise apparatus can also include a plurality of support structures. Additionally, the leg exercise apparatus can include a biasing member control system. The biasing member control system can include a biasing member and a guide to offset a portion of the biasing member from an imaginary line between the two points, so as to tension the biasing member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] (Not Applicable)

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] (Not applicable)

BACKGROUND

[0003] 1. Technical Field

[0004] This invention relates generally to an exercise apparatus system and, more particularly, to an exercise apparatus for exercising the legs.

[0005] 2. Description of Related Art

[0006] Many different types of exercise apparatuses have been invented. Many of these exercise apparatuses have one or more weight stacks, one or more pulleys, and one or more cables that run along the pulleys, and connect to the weight stack(s). To exercise with one of these apparatuses and to complete one entire movement, the exercise typically consists of two motions, a positive pushing or pulling motion and a corresponding negative motion. To initiate a positive motion with one of these exercise apparatuses, the user supplies a pushing or pulling force which, through the use of the cable and the pulleys, causes the weight stack(s) to rise. Once the positive motion is completed, a negative motion can be initiated. Specifically, the user can apply a force to deliberately resist the lowering of the weight stack(s).

[0007] Although the exercise apparatuses make efficient use of a weight stack and a pulley system to allow the user to exercise, these apparatuses suffer from several disadvantages. Most importantly, the use of a weight stack for a resistance mechanism allows the resistence mechanism to be susceptible to the effects of momentum. If the user creates a force that moves the weight stack(s) with enough force during the positive motion, the weight stack(s) can continue to move due to the momentum produced by the excessive positive motion. This can reduce the amount of force necessary to move the weight stack thereby diminishing the benefits provided by the use of the apparatus. Furthermore, the disadvantageous effects of momentum can be quite noticeable when the user switches from the positive motion to the negative motion. Since the moving weight stack has momentum created by the positive motion, the transition to the negative motion is not an instantaneous transition. This delay is caused by the continual movement of the weight stack(s) in the direction corresponding to the positive motion after the force from the positive motion is no longer applied. Therefore, the user must wait before providing a negative force to complete the exercise movement.

[0008] Traditional exercise apparatuses also have other disadvantages. Namely, these apparatuses have weight stacks that are usually relatively heavy. This weight does not allow these exercise apparatuses to be easily portable. Furthermore, most exercise apparatuses are rather bulky with heavy weight stacks and are not easily stored. Moreover, most exercise apparatuses are constructed to form a rigid unit that is not easily collapsible for storing. Also, many exercise apparatuses, with their rigid construction and limited range of motion defined by different factors such as the length of the cord and the height of the weight stack, limit the use of the apparatuses to individuals who fit within a specified height range, as relatively tall or short people cannot properly use the apparatuses. Thus, there is a need for an exercise apparatus that has a resistence mechanism that is not susceptible to the effects of momentum, is easily portable, is easily storable, and accommodates people of all different shapes and sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention concerns a leg exercise apparatus. The leg exercise apparatus includes: an elongated base; at least one foot mount slidably coupled to the elongated base; a biasing member attached to the foot mount and the elongated base in which the biasing member is adapted to resist sliding movement of the foot mount relative to the elongated base. In one embodiment of the above apparatus, the elongated base can include substantially parallel foot mount guides and two foot mounts, which can be slidably mounted in the foot mount guides. The parallel foot mount guides can include a pair of substantially parallel rail members that engage each foot mount. Furthermore, the substantially parallel rail members can include a substantially parallel upper and lower rail member, and the foot mounts can be slidably mounted between the upper and lower rail members. In another arrangement of the above apparatus, the foot mount can include a foot platform and at least one pair of rail engaging wheels.

[0010] In one embodiment, the above apparatus can include a support structure that can be collapsible. The support structure can be hinged to the elongated base, and the hinge can be adapted for variable adjustment of the support structure at least between a collapsed position and a upright position. Also, the hinge can include one or more removable locking pivot pins. In another embodiment, the apparatus can include a shoulder brace, an upper body support structure, one or more hand supports, and a biasing post for securing the biasing member. The exercise apparatus can also include a lower body support structure, which can be detachably coupled to the elongated base. The lower body support structure can also include a cushioning material.

[0011] In one embodiment of the above exercise apparatus, each biasing member can be secured between the foot mount and the biasing post so as to be substantially horizontal. The biasing member can provide a force resisting movement of each foot mount as each foot mount is moved in a direction that increases the distance between the foot mount and the biasing post. Also, the biasing member can provide a force encouraging movement of each foot mount in a direction that decreases the distance between the foot mount and the biasing post. In another embodiment of the above exercise apparatus, the biasing member can include a spring or an elongated elastic element.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a biasing member control system for an exercise apparatus. The system includes: a biasing member fixed between two points; and a guide to offset a portion of the biasing member, from an imaginary line between the two points, so as to tension the biasing member. In another arrangement, the biasing member can be a spring or an elongated elastic element. Also, the guide can be a wheel in which the wheel can include a concave surface adapted to receive a portion of the biasing member.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a method for exercising the legs. The method includes the steps of: providing a leg exercise apparatus including an elongated base, at least one foot mount slidably coupled to the elongated base, a support structure coupled to the elongated base, a biasing member attached to the foot mount and the elongated base and adapted to resist sliding movement of the foot mount relative to the elongated base, placing each foot in a foot mount and pushing with each foot on the foot mount.

[0014] The method can also include the steps of: resting the chest on a chest support; engaging a shoulder brace with the shoulders; clasping the hand supports with the hands. In one arrangement, the pushing step can occur in an alternating fashion, first one foot and then the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a leg exercise apparatus in accordance with the inventive arrangements.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a leg exercise apparatus in accordance with the inventive arrangements, in which the leg exercise apparatus in use.

[0017]FIG. 3 illustrates a biasing member control system in accordance with the inventive arrangements.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of a leg exercise apparatus in accordance with the inventive arrangements illustrating the leg exercise apparatus in a collapsed embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 5 is an overhead perspective drawing of a leg exercise apparatus in accordance with the inventive arrangements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] I. Leg Exercise Apparatus

[0021]FIG. 1 illustrates a leg exercise apparatus 10 having an elongated base 12, at least one foot mount 14, and at least one biasing member 16. The elongated base 12 can include at least one foot mount guide 18 for receiving the foot mount 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the elongated base 12 can have a pair of substantially parallel foot mount guides 18 in which a foot mount 14 is slidably coupled to each foot mount guide 18. It should be noted, however, that the invention is not limited in this regard, as the elongated base 12 can have any suitable number of substantially parallel foot mount guides 18. In addition, any suitable number of foot mounts 14 can be slidably coupled to the foot mount guides 18. The foot mount guides 18 can determine the path followed by the foot mount 14 when the foot mount 14 is engaged by a user; however, the foot mount guides 18 are not limited to being substantially parallel to one another, as the foot mount guides 18 can be positioned at any other suitable angle with respect to one another.

[0022] The foot mount guides 18 can include at least one rail member 20. In one arrangement, the foot mount guides 18 can have a pair of rail members 20 in which each rail member 20 can contain an upper rail member 22 and a lower rail member 24; however, the invention is not so limited as the foot mount guides 18 can have any other suitable number of rail members 20. The foot mounts 14 can be slidably coupled to the foot mount guides 18 by slidably coupling the foot mounts 14 to the rail members 20 in each foot mount guide 18. Specifically, each foot mount 14 can have one or more rail wheels 26, which can be positioned between the upper rail member 22 and the lower rail member 24 of the rail member 20 such that the upper rail member 22, the lower rail member 24, or a combination thereof can provide a frictional engaging surface to permit the rail wheels 26 to roll. It should be noted, however, that the apparatus 10 is not limited to having rail wheels 26, as any other suitable mechanism for engaging the rail members 20 can be used.

[0023] The foot mounts 14 can include one or more foot platforms 28 that the user can engage with his or her foot to initiate movement of the foot mounts 14. The foot platform 28 can be coupled to one or more axles (not shown) that can contain the rail wheels 26. In one arrangement, the foot platform 28 can be positioned at an approximately 45 degree angle relative to the foot mount guides 18; however, the invention is not so limited as the foot platform 28 can be positioned at any other suitable angle. As an example, the foot mounts 14 can be detachably coupled to the axles such that the angle at which the foot mounts 14 are positioned relative to the foot mount guides 18 can be adjusted.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, the elongated base 12 can contain a support structure 30 in which the support structure 30 can be attached to the elongated base 12 with one or more hinges 32. Attaching the support structure 30 to the elongated base 12 with hinges 32 allows the support structure 30 to be collapsible. Moreover, when the support structure 30 is in a collapsed position, the exercise apparatus 10 can be easily stored. However, the means of attachment is not limited to hinges 32, as the support structure 30 can be permanently attached or detachably coupled by any other suitable means. Although FIG. 4 illustrates the leg exercise apparatus 10 as containing two hinges 32, the apparatus 10 can contain any number of hinges. The hinges 32 can be adapted to allow for variable position adjustment of the support structure 30 at least between a collapsed position and an upright position. However, the hinge 32, can also be adapted to allow for incremental variable position adjustment between and including a collapsed position and an upright position. In one arrangement, each hinge 32 can contain a removable locking pivot pin 34 to temporarily fix the hinge 32 so that the support structure 30 is secured at a particular position.

[0025] Turning to FIG. 2, the support structure 30 can include one or more shoulder braces 36 an upper body support structure 38, and hand supports 40. The shoulder braces 36 can provide support to the user as the user exercises his or her legs. The shoulder brace 36 can include cushioning material that allows the user to place comfortably his or her shoulders against the shoulder braces 36. While FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus 10 as containing two shoulder braces 36, it should be noted that this invention is not so limited, as the invention can contain any other suitable number of shoulder braces 36.

[0026] Additionally, the support structure 30 can include an upper body support structure 38. The upper body support structure 38 can provide a platform for the user to place his or her thoracic region during exercise as demonstrated in FIG. 2. To provide better ergonomic design, the upper body support structure 38 can be located in a general region approximate to the shoulder braces 36. The upper body support structure 38 can also include cushioning material to provide comfort and support. The support structure 30 can also include one or more hand supports 40. The hand supports 40 can be engaged by the user during exercise to support and stabilize the user. While FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus 10 as containing a pair of hand supports 40, it should be noted that the invention can contain any number of hand supports 40.

[0027] The support structure 30 can also include a biasing post 42. The biasing post 42 can be positioned in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane in which the elongated base 12 sits; however, the invention is not so limited, as the biasing post 42 can be positioned in any other suitable plane. Turning to FIG. 3, the biasing post 42 can include one or more longitudinal beams 44 attached to one or more transverse beams 46. Each of the longitudinal beams 42 can contain a hollow chamber (not shown), which can form a female coupling (not shown) located at an end opposite to that of the transverse beams 46. In one arrangement, the elongated base 12 can have one or more male dowel rods (not shown). The dowel rods can have an outside diameter less than the inside diameter of each of the hollow chambers contained within the longitudinal beams 44. The dowel rods can engage one or more of the female couplings thereby detachably coupling the biasing post 42 to the elongated base 12. Furthermore, the biasing members 16 can be secured to the transverse beam 46 thereby supplementing the coupling of the biasing post 42 to the elongated base 12. It should be noted that the invention is not limited in this regard, as the biasing post 42 can be permanently attached to the elongated base 12; however, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a detachably coupled biasing post 42 can allow for the exercise apparatus 10 to be easily disassembled, and thus, easily stored.

[0028] Referring once again to FIG. 1, the elongated base 12 can include a lower body support structure 48. The lower body support structure 48 can provide support as the user begins to exercise. For example, when mounting the apparatus 10, the user can rest his or her knees on the lower body support structure 48 for support while positioning his or her body. Additionally, the lower body support structure 48 can permit the user to rest during breaks in exercise without dismounting the apparatus 10. For example, the user can stop the motion of the exercise and rest his or her knees on the lower body support structure 48 without disengaging the foot mounts 14 thereby allowing the user to transition directly from a resting state to an exercising state. In one arrangement, the lower body support structure 48 can be detachably coupled or permanently affixed to the elongated base 12. The lower body support structure 48 can also include cushioning material 50 to further enhance the support provided by the lower body support structure 48.

[0029] The biasing members 16 can be detachably coupled to the foot mounts 14 and detachably coupled to the biasing post 42. The invention, however, is not limited in this regard, as the biasing members 16 can be detachably coupled to the foot mounts 14 and any other suitable location on the exercise apparatus 10. Having detachably coupled biasing members 16 can allow for attachment of biasing members 16 with different levels of resistance providing different levels of resistance to the user. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the biasing members 16 can be permanently coupled to the foot mounts 14, the biasing post 42, or any combination thereof.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the biasing members 16 can be substantially horizontal; however, other orientations of the biasing member 16 are possible. Additionally, the biasing members 16 can be springs, elongated elastic elements, bungee cords, or any other suitable structure for providing resistance during the exercise. The resistance provided by the biasing members 16 can resist movement of the foot mount 14 in a direction that increases the distance between the foot mount and the biasing post 42. Furthermore, the biasing members 16 can also provide a negative resistance, which the user can resist, that actually encourages movement of the foot mount 14 in a direction that decreases the distance between the biasing post 42 and the foot mounts 14.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the leg exercise apparatus 10 can include one or more biasing member control systems 52, each of which can include at least one biasing member 16 and at least one guide 54. The guides 54 can be strategically placed so as to offset a portion of the biasing member 16 between a foot mount 14 and the biasing post 42. The guides 54 can offset the biasing member 16 so as to tension the biasing member 16. The tension provided by the offset of the biasing member 16 can help to stabilize the biasing member 16 as the user moves the foot mounts 14. It should be noted that the placement of the guides 54 as illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 is only one possible configuration of the biasing member control system 52, as any other suitable arrangement of the biasing members 16 and guides 54 can be used.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, the guides 54 can be guide wheels 56. Additionally, the guide wheels 56 can contain a concave surface 58 adapted to receive a portion of the biasing member 16. The biasing member 16 can engage the guide 54 so that the biasing member 16 substantially fits in the concave surface 58 of the guide wheel 56 thereby enabling the guide wheel 56 to stabilize the biasing member 16 during movement. Stabilizing the biasing members 16 in this manner can prevent the biasing members 16 from moving erratically or breaking during movement. It should be noted that the invention is not so limited in this regard, as any other suitable structure can be used to receive and stabilize the biasing members 16.

[0033] II. User Operation

[0034] In operation, a user can rest his or her knees on the lower body support structure 48 before beginning to exercise. The user can then place each foot in the foot mounts 14 and can apply a pushing force against one or more of the foot mounts 14. Depending upon the embodiment of the apparatus 10, the user can generally position his or her body as shown in FIG. 2. The user can engage his or her shoulders with the shoulder braces 36, grip the hand supports 40 with his or her hands and engage the upper body support structure 38 with his or her chest to further support his or her body weight. It should be noted that varying embodiments of the leg exercise apparatus 10 may require a different body positioning from that shown in FIG. 2. In one arrangement, the user can perform the pushing steps in an alternating fashion, first with one foot and then the other. However, the method is not limited to an alternating fashion, as both foot mounts 14 can pushed at the same time.

[0035] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be obvious to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application. Moreover, the invention can take other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A leg exercise apparatus comprising: an elongated base; at least one foot mount slidably coupled to said elongated base; and a biasing member attached to said foot mount and said elongated base and adapted to resist sliding movement of said foot mount relative to said elongated base.
 2. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said apparatus comprises two foot mounts and said elongated base comprises substantially parallel foot mount guides, said foot mounts being slidably mounted in said foot mount guides.
 3. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein each said foot mount guide comprises a pair of substantially parallel rail members that engage each said foot mount.
 4. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein each said substantially parallel rail member comprises a substantially parallel upper and lower rail member, said foot mounts being slidably mounted between the upper and lower rail member.
 5. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said foot mount comprises a foot platform.
 6. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said foot mount further comprises at least one pair of rail engaging wheels.
 7. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a support structure.
 8. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said support structure is collapsible.
 9. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said support structure is hinged to said elongated base.
 10. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said hinge is adapted for variable position adjustment of said support structure at least between a collapsed position and an upright position.
 11. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said hinge comprises removable locking pivot pins.
 12. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a shoulder brace.
 13. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising an upper body support structure.
 14. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising hand supports.
 15. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a biasing post for securing said biasing member.
 16. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a lower body support structure.
 17. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein said lower body support structure is detachably coupled to said elongated base.
 18. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein said lower body support further comprises a cushioning material.
 19. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each biasing member is secured between said foot mount and said biasing post so as to be substantially horizontal.
 20. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein said biasing member provides a force resisting movement of each said foot mount as each foot mount is moved in a direction that increases the distance between said foot mount and said biasing post.
 21. The leg exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein said biasing member provides a force encouraging movement of each said foot mount in a direction that decreases the distance between said foot mount and said biasing post.
 22. The leg exercise apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein said biasing member is selected from a group consisting of a spring or an elongated elastic element.
 23. A biasing member control system for an exercise apparatus comprising: a biasing member fixed between two points; and a guide to offset a portion of the biasing member, from an imaginary line between the two points, so as to tension the biasing member.
 24. The biasing member control system as claimed in claim 23 wherein said biasing member comprises a spring.
 25. The biasing member control system as claimed in claim 23 wherein said guide comprises a wheel.
 26. The biasing member control system as claimed in claim 25 wherein said wheel comprises a concave surface adapted to receive a portion of the biasing member.
 27. A method for exercising the legs comprising the steps of: providing a leg exercise apparatus comprising an elongated base, at least one foot mount slidably coupled to said elongated base, a support structure coupled to the elongated base, a biasing member attached to said foot mount and said elongated base and adapted to resist sliding movement of said foot mount relative to said elongated base; placing each foot in a foot mount; pushing with each foot on said foot mount.
 28. The method for exercising the lower body as claimed in claim 27 further comprising the step of resting the chest on a chest support;
 29. The method for exercising the lower body as claimed in claim 27 further comprising the step of engaging a shoulder brace with the shoulders.
 30. The method for exercising the lower body as claimed in claim 27 further comprising the step of clasping hand supports with the hands.
 31. The method for exercising the lower body as claimed in claim 27 wherein said pushing step occurs in an alternating fashion, first one foot and then the other. 